Buses to give fixed wages to drivers, conductors

MINI-BUS operators in Cebu expressed support for a directive of the Department of Labor and Employment requiring a fixed salary for drivers and conductors set at the minimum wage.

Starting July 30, buses and mini-buses have to secure a compliance certificate from DOLE on the agency’s recent wage order before a franchise is renewed.

Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) said they will enforce the DOLE order even if there are appeals to delay its implementation from some operators.

Cuizon said a recent monthly meeting of Cebu bus and mini bus group operators showed support for the DOLE wage order.

“Based on the dialogue, they agreed with it,” he said.

Effective July 1, bus and mini bus drivers will receive a fixed monthly salary along with a pay slip instead of the usual per commission basis.

Also, drivers will be entitled to mandated benefits as a regular employee.

Cebu South Mini Bus Operators Association president Jolito Flores said mini bus operators will renew their certificate of public convenience starting July 30.

He said there are about 800 buses and mini buses in the province.

Previously, there are bus lines in the country that offer commissions to drivers and conductors for every trip made aside from their fixed salaries.

This policy has encouraged drivers and conductors to make extra trips in order to earn more commissions.

But this has resulted in some accidents caused by fatigued drivers. Correspondents Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua and Tweeny M. Malinao